English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Robertsbridge

Early-attested site in the Parish of Salehurst

Historical Forms

  • (de) Ponte Roberti 1176 Pens 1332 SR
  • Abbatia Pontis Roberti 1201–12 RBE
  • Fount Robert 1310–13 Cl
  • Robartesbregge 1445 AsM
  • Robardysbregge t.Hy5–6 Add
  • Roberdisbrigge 1475 BM
  • Rothersbridge in Salehurst 1607 MarL
  • Rotherbridge 1610 Norden

Etymology

The place takes its name from Robert de St Martin, the founder of the Abbey here. When the Eastern Rother (v. supra 7) was renamed there was an attempt to alter the name of the bridge to Rothersbridge.